Online freedom is declining in the United States and Germany, according to an annual survey published Thursday by the US-based Freedom House, which warned that Western democracies are following in the footsteps of authoritarian states by imposing more restrictions on the internet.
The Washington-based NGO, which advocates for individual freedoms worldwide, reported that online freedom of expression has declined for the fifteenth consecutive year, even in a number of countries classified as "free."
The report indicated that the state of online freedom deteriorated in 28 countries, while it improved in only 17.
"We are seeing an increase in repression in authoritarian or near-authoritarian states, primarily because these governments see restrictions on the internet and online expression as a means of maintaining power," Kian Festinson, who co-authored the report, told AFP.
"In 2025, we saw a more specific decline in internet freedom in democratic countries," he added.
The United States scored 73 out of 100 points in internet freedom for the period from June 2024 to May 2025, its lowest level ever, a drop of three points from the previous year.
The report specifically noted the Trump administration's arrest of numerous foreigners for their online activity.
Germany also saw a three-point decline, reaching 74 points. Freedom House explained that Germany is experiencing increasing self-censorship and strict enforcement of laws prohibiting hate speech and defamation.
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